President Rejoices with Aluko, Adegbulugbe on Their 70th Birthdays

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has rejoiced with the pioneering Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Otuoke in Bayelsa State, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, on his 70th birthday.

Also, the President felicitated the Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Prof. Anthony Adegbulugbe, as he marked his 70th birthday yesterday.

The President, in a statement issued yesterday, by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, joined family, friends, and well-wishers in celebrating the professor of chemical engineering and former Chair of the Chemical Engineering Department at Howard University in Washington, D.C., United States, for his remarkable contributions to education, engineering, democracy, and community development.

Tinubu fondly recalled Aluko’s pivotal role, along with fellow Nigerian exiles in the United States, in the pro-democracy movement and his thoughtful insights on national issues.

Having lived in the United States of America for many years and attained significant professional and academic heights, Aluko returned to Nigeria to contribute to national development.

The President commended him for laying a solid foundation for the Federal University of Otuoke.

Following his vice-chancellorship, Aluko served in Ekiti State as Director-General of the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD) from 2019 to 2022 and also briefly oversaw the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities.

He is now the Infrastructure and Public Utilities Commissioner under Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

As Professor Aluko marked the significant milestone, Tinubu prayed that the Almighty will grant him continued strength, wisdom, and health so that he can continue his invaluable service to the nation and humanity.

Similarly, the President felicitated Adegbulugbe, as he marked his 70th birthday, on April 2.

Tinubu lauded Adegbulugbe for his exemplary achievements and significant contributions to academia, evangelism, business, and philanthropy.

Reflecting on their shared experiences, President Tinubu recalled, “In October 2019, I had the privilege of sharing the podium with Professor Adegbulugbe as we received honorary doctorates alongside the Sultan of Sokoto, His Majesty Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti. Standing beside such a distinguished intellectual, known for his outstanding dedication and humility, was truly an honour.”

The President acknowledged Adegbulugbe’s remarkable academic journey, highlighting his 1976 graduation with a First-Class degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) with a perfect Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0—an extraordinary accomplishment that distinguished him early in his career.

Tinubu expressed confidence in Adegbulugbe’s continued pursuit of excellence and is optimistic about his ongoing contributions to the nation’s development.

He extended warm wishes to Adegbulugbe and his wife, Princess Afolake Adegbulugbe, for many more years filled with good health and abundant blessings.